Manufacturing Engineer - Robotics & Artificial IntelligenceLocation: Lexington, KY Area
Employment Type: Full-Time / Direct-Hire
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Relocation Assistance: Available
Position OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer specializing in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence to support advanced manufacturing technology initiatives within a global automotive manufacturing organization. This position will focus on developing, integrating, and deploying AI-enabled robotic solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency, flexibility, reliability, and overall production performance.
The ideal candidate will have direct automotive manufacturing experience, demonstrated success implementing artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions in industrial environments, and hands-on robotics engineering experience. This individual will collaborate with engineering, automation, and manufacturing teams to develop innovative technologies and transition solutions from proof-of-concept through full-scale production deployment.
Key ResponsibilitiesRobotics & AI Integration
- Develop, integrate, and deploy AI-enabled robotic solutions to improve manufacturing capabilities and operational efficiency
- Design and implement computer vision, machine learning, and sensor fusion solutions for industrial manufacturing applications
- Develop robotic applications involving automated part handling, bin picking, inspection, and other production processes
- Build and optimize AI models for deployment on industrial hardware
- Ensure AI solutions meet performance, reliability, latency, and computing requirements
- Integrate Python-based AI applications with industrial automation systems
- Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing competitiveness and reduce operational costs
Advanced Manufacturing & Automation
- Lead the development and implementation of innovative manufacturing technologies
- Support equipment trials, troubleshooting, debugging, and performance validation
- Transition advanced technology solutions from initial concept through production deployment
- Collaborate with robotics engineers, controls engineers, and manufacturing teams to integrate new technologies into existing production systems
- Evaluate manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements
- Ensure equipment and technology solutions meet safety, reliability, and manufacturability requirements
AI Development & Simulation
- Develop and implement computer vision, machine learning, and deep learning applications
- Utilize simulation platforms such as Isaac Sim, MuJoCo, or equivalent tools
- Support concept validation, synthetic data generation, and Sim2Real deployment
- Integrate and optimize industrial sensors, including RGBD cameras, LiDAR, and Time-of-Flight systems
- Evaluate sensor performance, image quality, accuracy, and system reliability
- Apply software engineering principles to develop scalable industrial AI solutions
Technology Development & Project Execution
- Research and evaluate emerging Physical AI and advanced robotics technologies
- Conduct technology benchmarking and collaborate with equipment suppliers
- Manage contractors responsible for designing and constructing testing cells
- Coordinate equipment testing, validation, and production implementation
- Develop technical documentation to support future deployment and standardization
- Present technical findings, project results, and recommendations to management and executive leadership
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with manufacturing, robotics, controls, and advanced technology teams
- Support the integration of AI and robotics into existing manufacturing operations
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external technology suppliers
- Communicate technical concepts and project progress effectively
- Support continuous improvement and technology standardization across manufacturing operations
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- More than 3 years of automotive manufacturing experience
- Demonstrated experience implementing AI/ML solutions in manufacturing environments
- Hands-on robotics engineering experience, including industrial deployment
- Experience developing and implementing manufacturing automation solutions
- Experience integrating advanced technologies into production environments
- Strong experience in at least two of the following areas:
- Computer vision, including object detection, segmentation, or 3D perception
- Machine learning and deep learning
- Robotics engineering and industrial automation
- Python, C++, or ROS-based systems
- Industrial sensors, including RGBD cameras, LiDAR, and Time-of-Flight technology
- Strong software engineering and technical problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to develop complete, production-ready solutions rather than standalone demonstrations
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Preferred Qualifications- Master's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
- Experience with Isaac Sim, MuJoCo, or similar simulation platforms
- Experience with synthetic data generation and Sim2Real deployment
- Advanced computer vision and sensor fusion experience
- Experience optimizing AI models for industrial hardware
- Experience developing automated inspection, bin picking, or robotic part-handling applications
- Experience managing contractors and equipment testing activities
- Knowledge of emerging Physical AI technologies
- Experience supporting advanced technology development within large-scale automotive manufacturing operations
Candidate Must-Haves- More than 3 years of automotive manufacturing experience
- Demonstrated AI/ML implementation experience in a manufacturing environment
- Robotics engineering experience with industrial deployment
- Hands-on manufacturing automation experience
- Experience integrating robotics and AI into production systems
- Strong technical experience in at least two of the following:
- Computer vision
- Machine learning/deep learning
- Robotics
- Python, C++, or ROS
- Industrial sensor technologies
- Ability to develop and deploy complete industrial automation solutions
- Strong troubleshooting and technical problem-solving skills
- Ability to work onsite in the Lexington, KY area
